Preview: LA Galaxy vs New York City FC Prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds | MLS 2026

Their last clash resulted in a win for New York City FC.

The 2026 edition of Major League Soccer will kick off this weekend. The opening matchday will feature an enthralling encounter between LA Galaxy and New York City FC. The home side are coming into this game after playing a 1-1 draw against Sporting San Miguelito in the Concacaf Champions Cup.

New York City, on the other hand, had an underwhelming MLS preseason. In five games, they registered two draws, two losses, and just a single victory to their name.

New York City finished fifth in the league phase of the Major League Soccer last year. They were knocked out by eventual Champions, Inter Miami, in the playoffs.

Kickoff:

• Location: Carson, California
• Stadium: Dignity Health Sports Park
• Date and Kickoff time: Monday, February 23 – 5:30 am IST
• Referee: Not decided
• VAR: In Use

Form:

LA Galaxy (in all competitions): D-D-W-L-W

New York City FC (in all competitions): L-L-D-W-D

Players to watch out for:

Joseph Paintsil (LA Galaxy)

The Ghanian attacker had a great game against San Miguelito and is looking in great shape ahead of the 2026 MLS season. He is very versatile and is equally effective on both wings. He also scored LA Galaxy’s only goal in the last game.

Painstil will surely play a crucial role against New York City FC.

Hannes Wolf (New York City)

The Austrian attacker had an excellent season last year. He was the second-highest goalscorer for his team, scoring 11 times. His technical ability on the ball is brilliant.

He is a great playmaker as well. His work rate is also incredible as he presses from the front for his team.

Match Facts:

• The last game between these two teams ended in a 2-0 win for New York City FC.
• LA Galaxy played a 1-1 draw against San Miguelito in their last game.
• New York City FC lost 2-0 against San Jose in their last game.

LA Galaxy vs New York City: Betting tips and odds

• Tip 1: LA Galaxy to win – 1.71 by Stake
• Tip 2: Both teams to score – 1.39 by Dafabet
• Tip 3: Expected Goals – Over 2.5 – 1.77 by 1XBET

Injury and Team news:

Riqui Puig, Marco Reus, Lucas Sanabria, and Julián Aude will be unavailable for the home side.

New York City FC, on the other hand, will be without the likes of Malachi Jones, Jacob Arroyave, Keaton Parks, Alonso Martínez, and Kai Trewin for their clash against LA Galaxy.

Head to Head:

Total matches: 10

LA Galaxy won: 4

New York City FC won: 5

Draws: 1

Predicted Lineups:

LA Galaxy (4-4-2)

Marcinkowski(GK); Cuevas, Yoshida, Glesnes, Nelson; Haak, Cerrillo, Pec, Paintsil; Ramirez, Nascimento

New York City FC (4-4-2)

Freese(GK); Gray, Martins, Murray, Gustavo; Ojeda, Wolf, O’Neill, Shore; Magno, Yañez

Match Prediction:

LA Galaxy are expected to clinch a win and claim all three points against New York City FC.

Prediction: LA Galaxy 2-1 New York City FC

Telecast details:

Worldwide: Apple TV+

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